Community invited to unity prayer service Sunday

KINGSPORT — All members of the faith community — regardless of denomination, race or other demographic — are invited to set aside their differences and come together for a special unity prayer service Sunday.

What is the goal of the service?

“Our mission is to unite our city and to reach out to our community in prayer,” said Janet Mills of Central Baptist Church, which will host the event. “We really feel that prayer changes things, and (it’s about) reaching out and showing unity within all the churches.”

When and where will it be held?

The service will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, at Central Baptist Church, located at 301 Carver St.

What’s the background?

Mills said the service first came about in 2015 in response to the deadly shooting that occurred at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Since then, the service has been held each year at different Kingsport churches.

Who can participate?

“We’re across denominational walls — just whoever wants to join who believes that prayer does change things,” Mills said. “We are living in times where we have so many things that are disconnecting us, dividing us, and it’s our effort that the churches come together, and our congregations come together, and unite against violence, against division. God called the body of Christ to function as one, and that’s our effort.”